Ukraine's Ex-defense Minister Calls for Wartime Elections

Ukraine's former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed in July after just six months in office, has called for elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia, a proposal that has divided opinion in the country. Fedorov's dismissal sparked protests, with many Ukrainians demanding his reinstatement. He was offered a special position within the government but declined.

The move was reportedly linked to tensions between Fedorov and the then-chief of the Ukrainian army. In mid-August, Fedorov released a video on YouTube urging the government to hold elections. "We must ensure the voting rights of soldiers and the millions of Ukrainians living abroad and on the front lines," he said.